So, the New Year is well underway and so many people I know are keen to eat healthy. I have nothing against eating a well balanced diet that incorporates healthy ingredients and cooking techniques with occasional indulgences thrown in to keep cravings in check. In fact, that is how I try to live my life everyday (with various levels of success … damn you bacon!). What I don’t like are those who think they can start a new...

Oh, well hello there! It’s been a while! Sorry for my extended absence, but if you follow me on Twitter you already know that I have spent the last month working furiously on my second cookbook. I am happy to report it is all done, all 30 pictures included, and if all goes as my publisher plans it will be seeing store shelves sometime next May! Also, my first book, Everything Pie, should be available in a book store near...

Oh baby, it is COLD outside! The Dallas area, and most areas in the Mid-west, are enduring what I am unofficially calling ‘Ice-pocalypse 2011’. Around the Evil Shenanigans homestead the temperatures hovering around 15 F, while ice and gusty winds have made travel and work nearly impossible. When I get cooped up indoors during this kind of weather I tend to do some nesting. I clean, putter around the house, read, and...

I love old family recipes. I also love cookies. My mom makes some pretty fantastic oatmeal cookies. They are my grandmother’s recipe, handed down on a butter stained note card, and they are lovely. Crisp throughout with a hint of cinnamon and a lovely nubby texture makes them instantly craveable. They are mom’s go-to cookie and the most frequent dessert offering at her house. In fact, there is almost always a batch of...

**UPDATE** The winner of the Microplane was #43 (as chosen by Random.org). Congratulations to Amanda from The Two Boos Who Eat! We have ham today, but first … how about a giveaway? Because it is the Holidays, and because I appreciate all my readers more than I can express, I am giving away one of my FAVORITE kitchen tools! A Classic Series Microplane! This handy tool is great for zesting, grating, and finely shaving all...